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That's a great idea.
--
William Gaffga
www.wilyguy.net/portfolio/ http://www.linkedin.com/in/willgaffga
H: 805-492-0192
M: 805-405-6602
S: willgaffga
On Mon, Apr 16, 2012 at 3:01 PM, Dan Goldstein
<DGoldstein -at- riveraintech -dot- com>wrote:
> Hi Lonie,
>
> <raises hand> I have an idea.
>
> As you know, one common tech writing task is to dig through great, big
> piles of information, looking for specific data. We then present the
> results clearly and concisely to others, in order to get their feedback
> and updates (if we're lucky).
>
> The question of how to prepare for and acquire employment as a tech
> writer has been discussed many, many times on TECHWR-L. Maybe your
> students should present to us a brief summary of all they can glean from
> the TECHWR-L archives. This might inspire us to debate specific points,
> shoot down or praise old ideas, offer new ideas, etc.
>
> I'm not guaranteeing a successful response, but it would be a valuable
> exercise in any case.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Lonie McMichael
> Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 5:33 PM
> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Cc:
> Subject: Student Interviews
>
> Hello, Techwhirlers:
>
> My name is Dr. Lonie McMichael; I have been a member of Techwr-l on and
> off since 1992. I used to work as a technical writer in the computer
> industry.
>
> Right now, I am teaching a course called "Tools for Technical Writers"
> and have given my students an assignment which involves interviewing
> technical writers in the field. You may have seen an email or two from
> them already.
> They are trying to understand what it will take to break into their
> chosen field of work, the best way they might prepare, and what the REAL
> job is like.
>
> Since you folks taught me how to be a technical writer back in the 90s,
> I thought you might be willing to help these students out. If you are
> comfortable doing so, could you answer the following questions:
>
> 1) What type of writer are you? What type of work do you do?
>
> 2) How did you enter your field?
>
> 3) For students looking to enter the field, what kind of classes
> would
> you suggest they take? What kind of knowledge would you suggest they
> pursue? What should they know?
>
> 4) Do you have any suggestions for how to get a job in your field?
>
> 5) If a student would like more detail, are you comfortable being
> contacted directly?
>
> So many times, students are given theoretical information, but little
> information about the real life of a technical writer. I'm trying to
> help my students understand the job a bit more.
>
> Thank you for your time and effort. Any information is appreciated.
>
>
>
>
>
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